The Clippers topped the Rockets on Monday night in Game 1 of their conference semifinal series 117–101 behind Blake Griffin’s 26-point, 14-rebound, 13-assist effort—his second straight playoff triple-double.
Griffin’s play was especially critical given the hamstring injury to Chris Paul that sidelined him for Game 1, limited him in the Game 7 win over San Antonio, and has him listed as day-to-day going forward.
Should Los Angeles have any hopes of advancing to the conference finals, either Paul is going to have to return (very soon) or Griffin is going to have to continue to carry the load.
Monday, the fifth-year veteran took advantage of various matchup problems—Houston had the smaller Josh Smith guarding him at different junctures—that allowed him some easy shots in the lane.
While Paul’s hamstring injury is a major issue for Los Angeles (and any titles hopes they might have), it could allow Griffin to establish himself as more of the face of the team.
